I don't know how they can course correct abysmal defensive play. After getting pounded for 6 in the first game, they all to a man talked about being better defensively, more engaged... and have now proceeded to get hammered for another 6 in the second. How do you even get to this stage as a professional NHL player, earning millions over the likes of doctors, teachers, etc. to play a game and can't even manage a modicum of professionalism to play responsibly, to ensure that you, personally, are ready and prepared to play right at puck drop? In the f***ing playoffs, no less. Yes, Skinner hasn't stopped a bloody thing but come on man, the team is absolutely horrific defensively in front of either goalie.
That being said, at this point I'd put in Savoie. What the hell can it hurt? None of the other guys are producing in the top 9 aside from basically the top two. He has shown well down in BAK, demonstrating he has a defensive conscience as well as producing offence. He works hard, a hallmark of the kid from his junior days. It sure as hell can't be worse than the likes of Nuge, Hyman, Henrique, Arvidsson, Podkolzin, etc. This team lacks the eager youth to push all these entitled vets and their assumed ice times and roles. I was dubious about Klingberg but frankly he was probably the only one making clean breakouts up to the forwards, so keep him in.
Frederic needs to sit. He's completely ineffective and struggling to stay in plays because of the lingering ankle issue. I guess you can go with Jones, but I don't really find he'd be effective. They have Ryan but what difference will he make? Small, old, and while somewhat decent in the FOs as a RHC and a PK'er, that's about it. Kapanen is bound to gift LA a freebie turnover. Their lack of depth options down the lineup is really apparent. Put in the kid and run with it, don't f***ing punish him for mistakes when you can't even hold the vets to theirs. Accountability for all.
And yes, start Pickard. For the rest of the f***ing series, whatever time you have left in it.
